Dead center screen, bad COMAND module?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2024
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
S350 Bluetec
Dead center screen, bad COMAND module?
Hi all,
I have a 2012 S350 (W221). The center screen in the dash has gone black. Also when using the steering wheel controls, the Nav, Phone, and Radio/audio in the instrument cluster are just blanks. I have checked fuses and did not find any that were blown. I disconnected the battery for a while and reconnected it. No luck.
I have scanned the car and there were a couple unrelated codes that I cleared. I have an icarsoft scan tool and can check each module individually. It says that the Tuner/Mobile Phone/Voice Command/Satellite Radio are all "Not Fitted" Also, When I try to scan the COMAND module the communication fails.
I suspect that my COMAND module has failed. Anyone have any ideas? I tried finding the COMAND module for sale but haven't had any success with that either. Does anyone know what it is officially called or a part number? Can I put a used one in and have it programmed or does it have to be new? Any one repair them?
Thanks
I have a 2012 S350 (W221). The center screen in the dash has gone black. Also when using the steering wheel controls, the Nav, Phone, and Radio/audio in the instrument cluster are just blanks. I have checked fuses and did not find any that were blown. I disconnected the battery for a while and reconnected it. No luck.
I have scanned the car and there were a couple unrelated codes that I cleared. I have an icarsoft scan tool and can check each module individually. It says that the Tuner/Mobile Phone/Voice Command/Satellite Radio are all "Not Fitted" Also, When I try to scan the COMAND module the communication fails.
I suspect that my COMAND module has failed. Anyone have any ideas? I tried finding the COMAND module for sale but haven't had any success with that either. Does anyone know what it is officially called or a part number? Can I put a used one in and have it programmed or does it have to be new? Any one repair them?
Thanks
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 493
Likes: 182
2006 W221 S500L M273
In this case i would try to get someone with a real Xentry to scan the car to see if they can pinpoint the defective module.
It could be the COMAND/CD-changer thing in the center of the dash, but it might just as well be another module.
If you feel adventurous, you can get the COMAND unit very cheap:
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw...20cd%20changer
You have to remove your old unit first to see the partnumber on it (or look it up by VIN! in the EPC)
Then get a new unit that matches as close as possible.
It could be the COMAND/CD-changer thing in the center of the dash, but it might just as well be another module.
If you feel adventurous, you can get the COMAND unit very cheap:
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw...20cd%20changer
You have to remove your old unit first to see the partnumber on it (or look it up by VIN! in the EPC)
Then get a new unit that matches as close as possible.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 5,317
Likes: 1,673
S500
Sirius modules die (loop out - only costs $10 to check) or the hard drive dies - dealer will extract 2k - but likely $50 repair will get u going - hard drive pops out the front of the later cars... but cloned to a new drive will be specialists who will rob u
there is coding to the rest of the toys and the heater set up your car has - but no VIN number blocking
there is coding to the rest of the toys and the heater set up your car has - but no VIN number blocking
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2024
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
S350 Bluetec
I ordered a loop from Amazon and will try the Sirius module first. If that doesn't work I will get someone with Xentry (probably the dealer) to diagnose which module it is.
Anyone know if this loop will work:
Anyone know if this loop will work:
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 5,317
Likes: 1,673
S500
should do - sometimes you need to unclip to get it to suit the silly connector - european cars get DAB instead of Sirius - and they need a slightly different plug no one sells (but that loop will connect once you play)
Trending Topics
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 5,317
Likes: 1,673
S500
buy one copy the drive and fit either inside your comand unit - it has a caddy that comes out
if u wish to remove the unit - be careful with the trim... its basically made of razor edges and very easy to snag - especially when it wont go in or come out due to mass of wires
if u wish to remove the unit - be careful with the trim... its basically made of razor edges and very easy to snag - especially when it wont go in or come out due to mass of wires
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 5,317
Likes: 1,673
S500
these little black bits are handy if someone added optional kit and you want to play
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/316111997019?
and here's a picture of how the plug pulls apart to swap to the slightly different Sirius connector - ooh - it might be the right connector - nope its a male, you actually need the female one I can't find - you only need to loop the Fibre the conventional wires can be ignored for testing
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/153753377252?
this seems to be the correct name - MOST POF Fibre Optic Cable Connector - you'll find far more stuff
.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/316111997019?
and here's a picture of how the plug pulls apart to swap to the slightly different Sirius connector - ooh - it might be the right connector - nope its a male, you actually need the female one I can't find - you only need to loop the Fibre the conventional wires can be ignored for testing
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/153753377252?
this seems to be the correct name - MOST POF Fibre Optic Cable Connector - you'll find far more stuff
.
Last edited by BOTUS; Jan 27, 2025 at 07:36 AM.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2024
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
S350 Bluetec
So I have a couple more things to check but it looks like I do have a bad COMAND module. Anyone have a NTG3.5 Headunit they want to get rid of? I found a few online, so far $300 US is about the best I have seen.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2024
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
S350 Bluetec
Hi all,
I have a 2012 S350 (W221). The center screen in the dash has gone black. Also when using the steering wheel controls, the Nav, Phone, and Radio/audio in the instrument cluster are just blanks. I have checked fuses and did not find any that were blown. I disconnected the battery for a while and reconnected it. No luck.
I have scanned the car and there were a couple unrelated codes that I cleared. I have an icarsoft scan tool and can check each module individually. It says that the Tuner/Mobile Phone/Voice Command/Satellite Radio are all "Not Fitted" Also, When I try to scan the COMAND module the communication fails.
I suspect that my COMAND module has failed. Anyone have any ideas? I tried finding the COMAND module for sale but haven't had any success with that either. Does anyone know what it is officially called or a part number? Can I put a used one in and have it programmed or does it have to be new? Any one repair them?
Thanks
I have a 2012 S350 (W221). The center screen in the dash has gone black. Also when using the steering wheel controls, the Nav, Phone, and Radio/audio in the instrument cluster are just blanks. I have checked fuses and did not find any that were blown. I disconnected the battery for a while and reconnected it. No luck.
I have scanned the car and there were a couple unrelated codes that I cleared. I have an icarsoft scan tool and can check each module individually. It says that the Tuner/Mobile Phone/Voice Command/Satellite Radio are all "Not Fitted" Also, When I try to scan the COMAND module the communication fails.
I suspect that my COMAND module has failed. Anyone have any ideas? I tried finding the COMAND module for sale but haven't had any success with that either. Does anyone know what it is officially called or a part number? Can I put a used one in and have it programmed or does it have to be new? Any one repair them?
Thanks
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 5,317
Likes: 1,673
S500
....if you have the NTG3.5 the maps were protected from updating by a PIN you buy - so its going to be something like its reading the VIN of the old car inside the comand unit and saying no
the older car the disc cost lots and they didn't think S class owners would either bother to keep or share the Disc - so it had NO copy protection - but those maps don't work on the later cars
if clever, you could work it out from dodgy sites, go to main dealer let them get confused, then claim the unit is incompatible and likely send you on your way having done nothing but give you a $300 bill - or join BenzNinja club and let him sort it properly - yes more expenditure - but his knowledge and skill will end up long-term making your car better, you happy, and save a fortune https://benzninja.com/
you need to take that drive out and clone it before you are in the same position again - and check all the features are enabled for your car - things like massage seats and heater controls for the back if it has that option
.
the older car the disc cost lots and they didn't think S class owners would either bother to keep or share the Disc - so it had NO copy protection - but those maps don't work on the later cars
if clever, you could work it out from dodgy sites, go to main dealer let them get confused, then claim the unit is incompatible and likely send you on your way having done nothing but give you a $300 bill - or join BenzNinja club and let him sort it properly - yes more expenditure - but his knowledge and skill will end up long-term making your car better, you happy, and save a fortune https://benzninja.com/
you need to take that drive out and clone it before you are in the same position again - and check all the features are enabled for your car - things like massage seats and heater controls for the back if it has that option
.
Last edited by BOTUS; Feb 15, 2025 at 06:31 AM.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2024
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
S350 Bluetec
Thanks for the info on the PIN for the NTG3.5. I will have to think about how do best deal with it. The maps are out of date enough so that I don't use them much. It might be that I just ignore it.
I agree about cloning the drive! I am looking around for the disk now (innokisk DEMSR-32GD09BW2DC). It is proving hard to find in the industrial version with the necessary temperature range. I might have to look for an alternative. The holder is easy to get.
I agree about cloning the drive! I am looking around for the disk now (innokisk DEMSR-32GD09BW2DC). It is proving hard to find in the industrial version with the necessary temperature range. I might have to look for an alternative. The holder is easy to get.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 5,317
Likes: 1,673
S500
there was a post here ages back - you can buy a caddy for the 2.5" archaic PATA drive - and fit the modem baby solid state devices - but cheap clone devices at 40 dollars don't read the baby chip type drives - and 2.5" SATA solid state ones are far bigger than you need and are pricey
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 5,317
Likes: 1,673
S500
caddy for modern chip type drives
https://www.ebay.com/itm/387553466069?
https://www.ebay.com/itm/284582902827?
this should fit
https://www.ebay.com/itm/375646664397?
shame can't find a PATA version of the Fideco thing - clone tools need to be PATA to PATA - I don't think the SATA PATA adaptors will allow you to use SATA clone tools like
FIDECO Hard Drive Docking Station, USB 3.0 SATA HDD Docking Station for 2.5 and 3.5 inch SATA HDD SSD, Dual Bay, Support Offline Clone
https://www.ebay.com/itm/387553466069?
https://www.ebay.com/itm/284582902827?
this should fit
https://www.ebay.com/itm/375646664397?
shame can't find a PATA version of the Fideco thing - clone tools need to be PATA to PATA - I don't think the SATA PATA adaptors will allow you to use SATA clone tools like
FIDECO Hard Drive Docking Station, USB 3.0 SATA HDD Docking Station for 2.5 and 3.5 inch SATA HDD SSD, Dual Bay, Support Offline Clone
